More than 350 families were forced to evacuate their homes after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Sultan Kudarat early Wednesday morning, January 28.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the tectonic tremor occurred at 1:05 a.m., with its epicenter located 55 kilometers southwest of Kalamansig. The quake had a shallow depth of 19 kilometers.
Personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Sultan Kudarat assisted in the evacuation of approximately 350 families from coastal and high-risk areas in the town of Lebak.
The displaced residents from Barangay Tibpuan were moved to temporary shelters in the covered courts of Barangays Pasandalan and Poloy-Poloy.
In the neighboring town of Palimbang, at least 90 families from Barangay Kiponget also sought higher ground.
Local disaster officials noted that many residents initiated the move themselves, fueled by memories of the devastating 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami.
Following the tremor, Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu issued Executive Order No. 97, suspending classes in all levels and government work in the municipalities of Kalamansig and Lebak.
The suspension excludes frontline agencies involved in disaster response and health services.
PHIVOLCS recorded Intensity IV in Lebak and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, and Intensity III in Norala, South Cotabato, and Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat. Lower intensities were also felt in Koronadal City and several other towns in South Cotabato.
The magnitude 5.7 quake is the strongest recorded in a seismic swarm that began on January 19. According to PHIVOLCS, more than 760 tremors have been recorded in the area over the past week, triggered by movement along the Cotabato Trench.
While no major damage to infrastructure has been reported as of Wednesday afternoon, authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant.
Local governments have also prohibited fishing and other sea-related activities in coastal areas until further notice due to the continuing threat of aftershocks.